Mode of study

UCAS Code

Start date

Mathematics and Computing with Integrated Foundation Year

Overview

Brunel University London’s impact on the future wages of its graduates is among the best in the country compared to other universities, according to a new analysis of government data by The Economist (2017).

Mathematics at Brunel is ranked 3rd in London (Complete University Guide 2018).

About the course

Our foundation year course is designed to help you progress to a challenging and exciting career in computing or mathematics. Our carefully designed curriculum is particularly suitable for those who want to change direction, perhaps having taken A-levels in arts or humanities subjects, and for mature applicants returning to study. You will quickly find that willingness to learn and determination is more important than prior knowledge.

Once you have successfully completed your foundation year with the grades needed for your chosen computing or mathematics degree course, you progress directly into Level 1 of that degree –there’s no need to re-apply.

We look forward to helping you develop your learning and setting you firmly on the way to your chosen career.

Aims

Mathematics and Computing with Integrated Foundation Year provides an introduction to a variety of exciting and fastmoving disciplines in computing and mathematics.

The foundation year will help you clarify where your interests lie. You might opt for computer science and work with ever more sophisticated computer technology and information systems. Or you may find yourself drawn to mathematics where you will learn to model and solve problems from the worlds of business, finance and science.

All the degree courses below are linked to Mathematics and Computing with Integrated Foundation Year:

• Business Computing BSc

(with the option to specialise in Business, eBusiness, Human Computer Interaction or Social Media)

Enquiries

Course Content

The Foundation year covers material that would usually have been covered in A-level mathematics and ICT, so that students are well equipped to begin a BSc programme in any of our mathematics or computing courses

All Students will cover these compulsory modules:

Study Skills (Autumn)

Discrete & Decision Mathematics (Spring)

Introduction to Computing (Autumn)

Optional modules for both degree programmes (Autumn term):

Algebra A

Algebra B

Students who want to continue with the Computing courses study

Programming

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Introduction to Computing

Students who want to continue with the Mathematics option study

Calculus

Statistics

Students who want to continue with the Mathematics option choose one of the following:

Employability

Graduates with degrees for which this Foundation Year acts as a first step, are always in high demand. For details see the course pages for those degrees.

Careers

Talented people who have good technical or scientific qualifications, as well as imagination, enthusiasm and communication and organisational skills, are always in great demand. A wide variety of interesting and well-paid career opportunities are available.

Work Placements

All of the programmes within Brunel’s College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences to which you can progress on completion of the foundation year are available in three-year full-time or four-year sandwich modes. The sandwich modes include industrial placements, involving up to 12 months of relevant paid employment.

At Brunel we provide many opportunities and experiences within your degree programme and beyond – work-based learning, professional support services, volunteering, mentoring, sports, arts, clubs, societies, and much, much more – and we encourage you to make the most of them, so that you can make the most of yourself.

English Language Requirements

Brunel University London strongly recommends that if you will require a Tier 4 visa, you sit your IELTS test at a test centre that has been approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as being a provider of a Secure English Language Test (SELT). Not all test centres have this status. The University can accept IELTS (with the required scores) taken at any official test centre or other English Language qualifications we accept as meeting our main award entry requirements.

However, if you wish to undertake a Pre-sessional English course to further improve your English prior to the start of your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider. This is because you will only be able to apply for a Tier 4 student visa to undertake a Pre-sessional English course if you hold a SELT from a UKVI approved test centre. Find out more information about it.

Brunel also offers our own BrunELT English Test and accepts a range of other language courses. We also have Pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet these requirements, or who wish to improve their English. Find out more information about English course and test options.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching

Up-to-date teaching Mathematics is an active and dynamic research centre. Our academics' work is frequently supported by external grants and contracts with leading industry and government establishments.

As a result lecturers are often working at the frontiers of their subject and in active contact with modern users of Mathematics. This in turn helps to ensure that our undergraduate degrees are truly up-to-date.

A broad spectrum of thinking We can offer a wide range of expertise in a variety of subjects. Many of our lecturers are widely published and highly recognised in their fields.

How will I be taught?

We use a range of approaches to help you engage effectively with the subject both through your tutors and working with fellow students:

Lectures These offer a broad overview of key concepts and ideas – a useful framework from which you can pursue more in-depth study.

Tutorials Smaller tutorial groups enable you to work on mathematics-related problems with guidance from a staff member.

Computer workshops These replace some tutorials in certain modules including numerical analysis, statistics and operations research.

Assessment

The ratio of exams to coursework is approximately 60:40. Coursework consists of mainly of short tests and project work.

Strong links with business Our staff are involved in research programmes that are informed by modern problems in science, technology and business – often working in collaboration with companies. This means:

Your degree is designed to meet the needs of industry and the marketplace

The latest commercial world developments are included in your course

You've a greater choice of high quality, professional placements.

Wide choice of high quality, professional placements All of the programmes within Brunel’s College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences to which you can progress on completion of the foundation year are available in three-year full-time or four-year sandwich modes. The sandwich modes include industrial placements, involving up to 12 months of relevant paid employment.

Avibrant, friendly, safe campus in a great location near London All the advantages ofaffordable living costs, an international community, world-class sports and social facilities and a thriving arts and social scene

Facts and Figures

Mathematics is one of the largest disciplines at Brunel and has links with many other subject areas. All our staff are experts within their field and their work is widely published.

Our extensive computer facilities include many personal computers, and this is supported and supplemented by the University’s Computer Centre, offering full Internet access to facilitate students’ work.

Our courses are taught by more than 50 academic staff, many with a background in the computer industry. Practically all are involved in our applied computing research.